A 1960 split-level flat-roof mid-century modern home in Creve Coeur, MO was creating a bit of cramp for the growing family of 4 (soon to be 5). They needed more usable space as well as an updated kitchen. Mosby Building Arts designer Jake Spurgeon, AKBD, advocated knocking down the two walls that separated the kitchen from the dining and family rooms to create an open space that better suits their lifestyle.

As seen above, the living room was isolated from the kitchen and dining room, having to enter both through separate entries.

The family inherited a kitchen that was last remodeled in the 1980s (above left), and they felt isolated while in the space. So it was a logical thought to remove the long wall, but because it was a load-bearing wall they shied away from doing anything about it. Learn more about identifying load-bearing walls.

To create a completely unobstructed open floor plan, Mosby obtained a steel beam so large it had to be moved about with a crane! Once our carpenters installed it (above right) they were able to remove all temporary supports and begin the kitchen remodel in earnest.

Installing new White Oak plank flooring across the entire area was the other way to create a cohesive look to the newly free-flowing space.

Now they have a thoroughly modern kitchen that boosts the authentic mid-century modern architecture of their home. The flat-front maple cabinets with a Nutmeg finish are from Showplace Cabinetry. The cabinet hardware is Skinny Linea pulls in stainless steel from Atlas Homewares.

The white cabinet center island with bar sink, microwave drawer and beverage cooler has a unique feature: a “floating” upper deck of deepest blue granite, providing a futuristic feel echoed by the planetary pendant lights from Crystorama orbiting above it. We also installed two skylights to bring even more natural light into the open kitchen.

The white honeycomb porcelain tile backsplash from Anatolia Tile + Stone coordinates smartly with the Cambria Brittanica quartz countertops. And the sleek cabinets hide all kinds of specialized storage, which you can see detail photos of on Houzz.

A really nice feature that is used by the adults and the children in the home is the built-in desk nestled between the refrigerator and ovens. With a comfortable leather bench seat and a nice view into the front entry garden courtyard, it’s become a favorite spot for quality computer time.

Designer of this modern kitchen: Jake Spurgeon, AKBD, of Mosby Building Arts.

Along with the delight the family experiences in their new lively and welcoming space, Jake (above) is excited about how well the floating top on kitchen island turned out. He designed it so the granite would appear to cantilever from the base, supported by stainless steel legs. He was told the design was impossible, but with the help of a structural engineer and an assist from his father’s steel fabrication company, Jake made it happen (see a detail shot of it).

For your own personalized kitchen and home makeover, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.